Pilgrimages: Are They Right For You?

My first response to the question posed in the title of this post is this: How could pilgrimages not be right for you? Whether going it alone or in a group, the chance to praise God in a beautiful church/cathedral/basilica/shrine is definitely worth it.

Matthew Kelly defines a pilgrimage as a journey to a sacred place for a sacred purpose. That purpose could be to ask God for a favor, thank Him for something, or it could be a quest for clarity. I went on my first "official" pilgrimage at the age of 62, almost a year after my husband passed away. I went in with no expectations but with the idea of letting God work where He knew I needed work.

Getting there was a journey in itself. In January (before the October Pilgrimage) I contacted the contact person for pilgrimages within my diocese. She had 3 on the books. If someone had told me to sit down and write out my perfect pilgrimage, the one in October would have been very close to what I pictured. There was a problem: the single rooms were all taken but I was to be placed on the waitlist and was first in line. While it remained in the back of my mind, I allowed God to work. I knew that if I was meant to be on that pilgrimage He would find a way. I was open to having a roommate, even if it was someone I didn't know. Risky, I know, but I kept that option open.

Fast-forward a few months. I received a voicemail from a woman in my parish who asked if she could be my roommate. She had to check with her husband to confirm he was okay with her going, but then it looked like I could continue my plans. It was meant for me to be on that pilgrimage. 

The Basics

First things first: It was not cheap. My first pilgrimage was on a river cruise with a 3-day extension so yes, I was pampered. The good thing is that almost all of the meals were provided while on the ship. Land pilgrimages are definitely less expensive.

I kept reading to remember you're a pilgrim, not a tourist. I went into the pilgrimage with that in mind. Yes, there were a lot of "touristy" places we missed but that wasn't the purpose of the journey. I had the opportunity to attend Mass in some of the most beautiful churches in the world. It was hard to pay attention in some most of them, but being able to kneel down and glorify God in those beautiful places built through the gifts He gave the builders was awe-inspiring. 

Everyone on the pilgrimage has their own reason for being there. It wasn't hard to respect that, but I had to remind myself a couple of times, especially when one woman talked in a very loud voice as we were preparing ourselves for Mass. The focus should be on yourself and how God is able to work in/through you. 

Since it is a pilgrimage, you will probably be on a fairly strict schedule. I only had around 1-2 hours each day to play "tourist", and that time was usually used to grab local food. One thing a few people said about the pilgrimage was that they would have liked to have more time in the church either before or after Mass. You will probably find places where you want to return for future trips for another pilgrimage, or to just be a tourist. 

Suggestions

Since it was my first pilgrimage, I was on quite the learning curve. Some things that I'll do or will do better next time:

• Make sure to take intentions written down to refer to when visiting a church
• Spend time alone (with 140 people, it wasn't easy, but I did find some time to be on my own)
• Take a journal to write down where you went, your impressions of what you saw, and how you felt
• Talk to other pilgrims 
• Don't feel like you have to take a ton of pictures. Relax and reflect. Obviously, you'll want to have some pictures to remember things you saw but limit how many you take. It's more important to be in the moment. 
• Remember your reason for being on a pilgrimage. Focus on that, not on other pilgrims. 
• Read ahead and/or watch movies to gain insight into what you're going to see (Formed has wonderful movies to help with this)

Conclusion

Was it expensive? Yes, but it was worth every penny. Could I have done something different? Absolutely, and in the future I plan on it. A pilgrimage doesn't have to be on a different continent or in a different state/region. I would suggest checking in your area for religious sites. You might be surprised by what you find. I discovered a shrine that is a couple of hours from me that I had no idea existed. But it doesn't have to be a shrine; it could be a grotto or a church. What makes it a pilgrimage is prayer and the reason. I am definitely hooked. What better way to see different parts of the world than with other Catholics and get a Catholic perspective on what is being seen?

Below are a few websites/books that I've discovered to help with your journey:

The Ultimate List of the Catholic Shrines in the USA

USCCB Pilgrimage Sites in the US (for the Jubilee Year)

Catholic Pilgrimage through American History (Kevin Schmiesing) 

The Catholic Travel Guide (List of Catholic Shrines, Pilgrimage Places, and Places of Interest by State)

For more posts on pilgrimages, click here. Don't forget to check back from time to time to read more!

Reflections on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

 

Disclaimer: I am not a theologian. The ideas expressed below are my reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary and how they relate to my life.

While in Eucharistic Adoration one day, the thought came to me to pray a Mystery of the Rosary using The Scriptural Rosary, then choose one verse that spoke to me and write about it. This post is the result of those writings.

The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

For I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you. - John 16:22

I think of Jesus' disciples and how devastated they surely were when He died. This wasn't how they thought things were supposed to go. He was a king, after all. He was their Messiah, their Savior. So what did it mean when He told them this? Jesus really laid it all out on Holy Thursday; He gave them a lot of information before things "hit the fan". The disciples did see Jesus when He appeared to them. Because of His Passion, I know I will again see my loved ones who have passed. I can't even begin to imagine the joy I will feel.

As you pray this decade, pray for your loved ones and give God gratitude for giving us His Son so that our tears will turn to dancing.

The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

As he said this he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. - Acts 1:9

Can anyone imagine what this must have been like? Surely all doubts vanished at seeing Jesus ascending to His rightful place next to His Father. They were asked why they kept looking and watching at the sky. They were told what was going to happen and were given their tasks. How many times do I sit, gazing at the Eucharist, waiting...for what? 

As you pray this decade, ask God for the grace to carry out His plan for you. 

The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak about the marvels of God. - Acts 2:4,11

I am blown away by the fact that the very same Holy Spirit that the Apostles received is the One I received at Confirmation; that it's the same Holy Spirit that came upon Mary during the Annunciation. I always imagine Mary in the Upper Room with all of the Apostles, looking at them with love and motherly pride. Not pride in a sinful way, but in a knowing way. 

As you pray this decade, ask the Holy Spirit to remain with you. Thank God for the Apostles who received the Holy Spirit and who were the instruments for passing the Holy Spirit to us.

The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary into Heaven

The trust you have shown shall not pass from the memories of men, but shall ever remind them of the power of God. - Judith 13:25

Mary's trust in God is truly not forgotten. If I only had a smidgen of the trust she had, I'd never have any doubts about what God can do. She could have said "no, thank you" at the Annunciation, but she trusted. All through her life she trusted. During the Passion she never waivered in her trust. Through all generations, her trust in God has been revered. God did not allow death to stain her whom He chose to bear His Son. She was taken, body and soul, into Heaven to remain with Him and His Son for all eternity.

As you pray this decade, think of a time when your trust hasn't been as it should have been. Look to Mary for examples of how to trust God in all things.

The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Approach me, you who desire me, and take your fill of my fruits. - Ecclesiastes 24:19

Mary is my mother. She is always there to guide me and comfort me. She is more than my earthly mother, who was hand-picked for me. Did Mary have a hand in doing that? I like to think that she did. Mama Mary is approachable. Even though she is Queen of Heaven and Earth, she invites me to ask her for guidance and comfort.

As you pray this decade, thank God for giving us Mary as our mother. Thank God for our earthly mother, or, if this is a difficult subject for you, thank God for an earthly mother figure in your life. 

Reflections on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

 

Disclaimer: I am not a theologian. The ideas expressed below are my reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary and how they relate to my life.

While in Eucharistic Adoration one day, the thought came to me to pray a Mystery of the Rosary using The Scriptural Rosary, then choose one verse that spoke to me and write about it. This post is the result of those writings. 

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.- Luke 22:42

In his humanity, Jesus asked His Father to not put Him through the Passion. How hard it is to do something you know you have to. This doesn't even begin to compare, but I think about the birth of my last child, knowing I had to deliver him without an epidural. I definitely didn't want to go through that pain, but I knew there was no other choice. Or, the times when my children were hurting both physically and mentally. It was something they had to go through while I could just be there for moral support. I also think about my husband's cancer and wonder how many times we both prayed that verse. There is no doubt we also had angels with us to help us through the pain and feelings of loneliness.

As you pray this decade, think of a time in your life when you prayed this verse and then give thanks to God for the angels that were sent to give you comfort.

The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

...through His wounds we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5

Jesus went through this for me. Personally, for me. When I think of my husband's love for me and how he planned for my life after his death, it brings me to tears that someone could love me as much as he did. Then I think about Jesus and His sacrifice for me. Words can't even begin to describe the amazement. While my husband made sure I wouldn't have to worry about my future, Jesus made sure I was spiritually set. Both have demonstrated their love for me. I know I showed my husband how much I love him, especially during his last weeks, but do I show Jesus how much I love Him?

As you pray this decade, reflect on a love in your life. It may be your spouse, your child, or a family member. Then imagine how Jesus' love for you cannot compare to that love.

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. - John 19:5

How Mary's heart must have broken into tiny pieces when she saw her Son being ridiculed and bleeding. Even though she knew why and knew what was happening, she had to hurt so badly to just watch and pray. I don't know how she could have stood to see Him like that. It's torture when my boys are hurt and when they go through things that I can't do anything about. All I can do is watch and pray. What a beautiful role model Mary is. No matter what I'm going through, she has been through it. No matter what I'm feeling, she has felt it times a million. 

As you pray this decade, give all of your hurts to Mary. She knows how you feel and will comfort you.

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

And take up his cross every day and follow me. - Luke 9:23

Every day. Even when I'm tired, when I just don't feel like it. When I just want to stay in bed and hide. He is calling me to get up, grab my cross, and follow Him. He promises to be there to help. 

And you will find rest for your would. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light. - Matthew 11:29,30

Jesus won't ask me to do anything as hard as what He did. He's not going to give me anything that we can't handle together. He's here with me to help carry my cross. Just as Simon helped Him, He will help me.

As you pray this decade, imagine Christ right beside you, helping to carry your cross. Feel the burden lift as you give your cross to Jesus.

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. - John 19:27

Jesus gave His mother to me, to every living person. Have I invited her into my life? How can I better welcome her? As a child, Mary was my comforter during storms. As a young mother, I looked to her for patience. As a widow, I look to her once again for comfort. She knows what it feels like to lose a spouse. She gave me hope when my husband was sick that I could live like he wanted me to. She is my inspiration. 

As you pray this decade, think of how you have invited Mary into your life. What else can you do to make her welcome?

Time: What a Gift!

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-2-bell-alarm-clock-on-grass-field-36351/

I recently went through the Called and Gifted Discernment Process (St. Catherine of Siena Institute). This made me aware of the gifts He has given to me that I bring to Him at every Mass I participate in. That just seemed like "old news" to me. I feel that He wants something more, but what? 

As if right on cue, Dynamic Catholic's Daily Reflection for January 7, 2025, corresponded with the meditation in Fr. Mark Toup's book:

As Fr. Mark says: "We need time for Sabbath. We need time for rest. We need time for silence, reflection, and prayer." He goes on to refer to Pope Benedict XVI: Making time for God is a "fundamental element for spiritual growth....he will enable us to understand more deeply what he expects of me." 

I hate to sound like a broken record, but in thinking back over the past few years, God was gracious and merciful enough to gift Robert & me with time. Now it is my time to give Him the gift of my time. And as Matthew Kelly put it in his reflection, it seems like a simple thing but it won't be easy. Sometimes, when I come home after Daily Mass, an appointment, or an outing, I just want to stay home for the rest of the day. Especially in the winter when it's cold and the wind is blowing, I just want to stay home. I like being in my little prayer corner, but there are so many distractions. Sitting in front of the Tabernacle, whether the Blessed Sacrament is exposed or not, gives me clarity and helps me focus on HIM. 

I'm finding that Anna the prophetess is currently a kindred spirit. While I'm not going to live in the church, I have set myself up to spend a lot of time there through Adoration. Could it really be that simple? That He only wants my time? I'm at a point in my life when I am able to give Him the time He is asking for. I've said many times that if people only knew the graces received by spending an hour with Jesus in Adoration, the chapels would be overflowing. There were times in my life when I felt stretched to give Him that much, and I'm sure He understood. But now is the time. Now is the time to spend time with Him, to get to know Him, and to understand His plan for me. 

Advent: A Time to Slow Down

https://www.saint-faustina.org/advent-is-approaching/

On November 30, the day before the first day of Advent, I was shocked to watch a local meteorologist shame the weekend news anchor because her Christmas Tree wasn't up. I wanted to yell, "No! Don't rush it!"

Be Prepared

This year I'm getting the message to slow down and not rush through Advent. I've heard multiple times through Catholic Radio and other Catholic sources to use the first 2 weeks for penance. Truly make it a "mini-Lent". I heard one man on a Catholic show suggest that if you put your tree up at the beginning of Advent, wait until Gaudete Sunday (the 3rd Sunday of Advent) to decorate it. What a great way to remind ourselves that to achieve our ultimate goal (to reach heaven), we first have to be stripped of our "garments" and made new in order to adorn the heavenly garb. We have to strip ourselves of our earthly possessions and our sins so we will be worthy to be properly clothed to meet our Lord and Savior. Just as in the Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14), we must have our souls prepared when we meet our Maker and adorn our "wedding robe". 

Going Against Society

During his homily for the first week of Advent, my parish priest explained it perfectly: We live in a world where immediate gratification is the norm. There is no such thing as waiting. There is no such thing as anticipation. Society wants things now, and that's when it is received. He continued telling the congregation that "Jesus dares us to wait patiently in prayer, to be attentive and alert, to make sure our hearts are paid attention to, and to believe in peace. The Church dares us to be patient and hope in God's promises to the world. " 

It's so tempting to give in to what society is telling us: Do it now, you don't have to wait for anything when you can have anything you want right now. Jesus waits for us in the Tabernacle. He is there, waiting for us to come to Him in prayer. He is waiting to have conversations with us. He is paying attention to our hearts, to what we need, and to what we are grateful for. He is there. He may not give us the immediate answer we're looking for, but I know that when I'm sitting in front of Him, looking at Him and having Him look at me (St. John Vianney), I am at peace. God hasn't given me everything I've asked for but I still find peace in being in the church and in front of the Tabernacle/Monstrance. If Jesus constantly waits for us, can't I wait for Him? Can I give him 4 weeks of praying and waiting? 

A Lack of Anticipation

Because of instant gratification, it seems that kids today always have Christmas. Even though my kids are grown, the last few years of their childhood had me scratching my head, wondering why they weren't excited about Christmas and their presents. Then I understood that it was because I "gifted" them with things throughout the year. There was no anticipation. They didn't have to wait for things they wanted because I gave it to them when they asked. (Well, not everything, but a lot of things.) If I could go back and do some things over, there would be some major changes. Here in the USA, we have some wonderful conveniences but what have we done to the next generation? And the one after that, and so on. 

That leads me back to why there is a lack of anticipation during Advent. Christmas is up in stores the day after (and in some cases, before) Halloween, jumping right over Thanksgiving. Trees are decorated in houses on Thanksgiving weekend and taken down on December 26th. Some people say they are tired of Christmas before the Christmas Season even arrives! I have noticed that more people are keeping Christmas Decorations up until at least Epiphany or even longer, and that makes me smile. I like to think that those people know what they're doing. 

Patience People

Most people understand that there are 2 comings of Christ: His birth, and the 2nd Coming. Fr. Mike Schmitz, in his First Sunday of Advent Homily, reminds us that there is a third: Jesus comes to us now. This is something we should always be preparing for. How are we going to receive Him? We should prepare to recognize how He comes to us daily. Open your eyes; pay attention to daily happenings. I think you'll be amazed at how many times you'll see Him in your life. As a Catholic, what a precious gift I'm given in that I can receive Him daily through the Eucharist at Mass. He not only comes to me daily through the Eucharist, but on the days I'm not able to attend Mass, I know He's still here with me. In that way, I am receiving immediate gratification by knowing He is always with me. The big arrival is yet to come: when I meet Jesus face to face either at the 2nd Coming or at the end of my earthly life. This is why we're called to have patience. He is coming. Don't give up hope. Continue to anticipate the celebration of His birth by praying and not rushing it. Slow down. Give your children time to anticipate Christmas and then let them revel in the Christmas Season.  

Short but Sweet Thankful Thursday

 It's time for some gratitude! Head over to Overflowing with Thankfulness to get a huge dose of thankfulness from other bloggers.

This week, I am thankful for

💚The beauty in this world that the passing of seasons brings. Each season has its own beauty, but don't you think Spring is the season that gives us hope?

I love how the cherry tree is blooming in the background of the Bradford Pear whose blooms are just about spent

💚Friends who share my faith. I was chatting with one yesterday and she mentioned how nice it is to have friends like that. They get things I talk about and I don't feel like I'm being judged.

💚Running into said friends at Daily Mass. I ran into a couple who live fairly close to me but I haven't seen in a while. They own a tile business and did my kitchen backsplash when I remodeled my kitchen. Now I'm looking at having my back porch tiled and he's the guy to do it. It was great catching up with them...it was like I had seen them yesterday!

💚Songwriters who I swear can see in my heart and are writing just for me. I heard this song before but it popped up on my Spotify DJ playlist. I've played it over and over for the past 2 days. This is one of those songs that is just so pretty and says the right thing that it makes you cry. It says it all:

What's on your thankful list this week?

A Grieving Thankful Thursday

I don't even want to think about how long it's been since I've written a post for Thankful Thursday! Time for some gratitude! Head over to Overflowing with Thankfulness to get a huge dose of thankfulness from other bloggers!

💛I'm so thankful for my family & friends who showed me such compassion and love during my husband's last days. I knew I could call on any of them anytime and they would be there for me.

💛The Hospice Workers were absolutely amazing. The nurse we had for those few days was compassionate but stern with me when she needed to be for not getting enough sleep. She is truly an angel. She gave me the confidence to do what I needed to and assured me that I was doing everything right. 

💛I am grateful for the love that my husband had for me. Even though there were times in our marriage when we both thought we were done, looking back I realize what a gift he gave me. I am fortunate to have known that "once-in-a-lifetime" unconditional love that not everyone can experience.

💛God gave us time. We were able to take one last month-long trip out west four months before his passing. While we didn't do as much as we would have liked, we saw a lot and had some special time together. My husband bounced back from a hospital stay enough to tie up some loose financial ends and spend individual time with each of our boys.

💛I'm also thankful that through my faith this has not been a completely sad time. Yes, I'm very sad that he's not here with me, but how can I be sad all the time knowing that he is praying for me to get to heaven? (As I write this there is a cardinal looking in the window at me!) His funeral mass was filled with happy songs, just like he wanted. 

I have sad moments. I have moments when I miss him terribly, but I'm trying to live my life like he told me to. He made me promise him that I will travel and see the places that we didn't get to. I'd much rather do it with him, but looking back, I understand now why he left most of the travel plans to me. He was preparing me for when he is no longer here with me. He wanted me to live life to the fullest. It's going to be weird not having him physically beside me, but I have a feeling I'll be able to feel him right there!

Little Grand Canyon, July 2023

💛I chose yellow hearts for this post because yellow was his favorite color. 💛